Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Mareeba, Australia is vital for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the sun's intensity peaking at a UV Index of 10 during midday, it’s crucial to stay informed about daily UV levels to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Mareeba's subtropical climate offers plenty of sunshine year-round, but this also means an increased risk of harmful UV exposure, especially during the hottest hours. By keeping track of the UV Index, you can enjoy outdoor activities while taking the necessary precautions to protect your skin from intense solar radiation.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic day of sun exposure, starting off gently with a low of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index begins to rise sharply, peaking at 10 by noon, signaling ideal conditions for outdoor activities—though caution is advised. The intensity remains high as it slightly dips to 9 at 1:00 PM and 7 at 2:00 PM, before tapering off in the afternoon. By 4:00 PM, the index drops to 2, and the sun’s intensity continues to fade, reaching 0 by 6:00 PM. This hourly trend underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours, particularly from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, when protection is most crucial.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels reveal significant seasonal changes that affect exposure risk. The high-risk months for UV exposure include January through April, where the index consistently ranks between 13 and 16, categorizing it as extreme and resulting in a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. As summer approaches, from May to July, the UV Index drops slightly but remains in the very high category, with a burn time extending to 15 minutes. By late summer and into fall (August to November), the index returns to extreme levels again, urging caution. It is essential for both visitors and residents to take protective measures—such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses—especially during the high-risk months to mitigate skin damage from UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Melbourne UVI | 14 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 |
Adelaide UVI | 14 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 15 |
Sydney UVI | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 |
Perth UVI | 14 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 |
Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
Mareeba | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 16 |